Gov. John Hickenlooper said Wednesday it is unlikely that he would take a cabinet position if Hillary Clinton wins the November election and offers one to him.
The governor delivered the remarks – which contradict earlier statements – during a panel hosted by POLITICO at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
“It’s pretty unlikely that I would take a cabinet position, to be very blunt,” the governor, a Democrat, said, in response to a question about whether he would consider the seat of Interior secretary.
“It would all depend on what exactly she (Clinton) wanted to have done and what her vision was. ... It would be hard to leave. ... It’s a pretty nice state to be the governor of.”
Hickenlooper has waffled a bit in his public statements on whether he would consider a cabinet position. In some interviews, he appears largely uninterested, talking about how he has the greatest job. In other interviews, he says he would have to consider a cabinet or other offer if asked by the president.
Hickenlooper made the short list for Clinton’s running mate, but he ultimately was passed over for U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
The event Wednesday served to underscore energy issues as they pertain to the election. The discussion was interrupted by anti-fracking protesters, who shouted at Hickenlooper for his support of the controversial process.
“I hold you personally responsible for poisoning America,” one so-called “fractivist” said. At least one protester appeared to make it to the stage while shouting at Hickenlooper. POLITICO live streamed the event.
A reporter tweeted out a photo of a banner near the event that read, “FRACKENLOOPER BAN FRACKING,” with the “C” in “fracking” taking the shape of the Colorado symbol.
For the governor, a ban on fracking is a taking of private property and mineral rights.
“If you ban fracking within 2,500 feet, or you say you can’t drill anything within 2,500 feet, in essence, you’re taking away somebody’s private property. ... That works fine in Russia or China,” Hickenlooper said.
The governor opposes two ballot efforts proposed for November, including one that would allow local governments to ban fracking, and another that would increase setbacks of wells near homes, schools and hospitals from 500 feet to 2,500 feet.
The governor, a former geologist, has long been at odds with environmental groups, though he says he is committed to finding compromise.
Hickenlooper defended his record when it comes to environmental issues, pointing out that he supports the federal Clean Power Plan, which aims at reducing carbon emissions.
Some states, led by Republicans, have challenged implementation of the mandate, which requires Colorado to cut carbon emissions by 28 percent by 2030. Colorado Republican Attorney General Cynthia Coffman has joined the effort to kill the plan.
“We don’t even care about the court case,” Hickenlooper said. “We’re going to go beyond what the Clean Power Plan says.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
